Welcome to our second blog in this series, in which we share the experience of AMA Waterways cruiser Natalie Ford as she takes a look around the ship and enjoys her first taste of AMA Waterways cuisine.

After enjoying the view from my cabin, I decided to have a wander around the ship. The reception area boasts a dark wood and iron staircase which leads to all decks on the ship.  Handily, there was a lift to takes passengers to decks two and three and the restaurant. On deck 3 in the reception area, there was a small library area and the Cruise Manager has a desk in the same area and was happy to assist with any questions or needs I had. The reception team were available 24 hours a day, too. To the left of reception, there was a small gift shop which sold general toiletry items and a variety of gifts.

From reception the staircase also lead down to the main restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner would be served, but there is also a speciality restaurant on-board called Erlebnis which is at the aft of the ship. It has four rectangle tables for 24 guests and a large glass show kitchen through which you can watch the chef preparing your evening meal. (I will update you on the experience later in the blog when I have dined here). Everyone on-board gets the opportunity to dine in Erlebnis once during the cruise. There is a gym (which I am going to try and use) that has some free weights, a running machine and an exercise bike, plus a sauna and shower room. There is even a beauty/hair salon on-board too. Up on the top deck there is lots of space to take in the views with plenty of chairs and for anyone that wants to relax there’s a jacuzzi hot tub.

Showered (in the multi-jet shower that was amazing!) and dressed for the Captain’s welcome night, I made my way to the main lounge and was welcomed with a glass of champagne, greeted by the Hotel Manager, Cruise Manager and the one and only Captain – who also gave me a rose … Ok not only me, all the ladies on-board also got one too. Our Cruise Manager presented the heads of the departments and gave us an overview of what to expect whilst on-board. The Captain conducted the safety briefing and then a toast to all guests.

Dinner was served at 19:30 so I made my way down to the main restaurant and was met by the very welcoming Maitre D who showed me to a table. It is an open seating policy and there are tables from two to eight available. With everyone seated, there is such a wonderful atmosphere with all of the waiters explaining the menu options and the wine waiter describing the red and white wines available which are free-flowing during lunch and evening meals. With so many choices on the menu I was completely spoilt but in the end I managed to choose beef consommé to start, followed by sorbet, then Tranche of Beef Entrecote and Marinated Tiger Shrimp Tail for main course and rounded it off with vanilla ice-cream, cherry ragout and the most amazingly delicious macaroons. What an incredible first meal – I can already fill the pounds piling on and it is only the first night!

After filling myself so full that I could barely walk, my double bed covered with plush, white on white linen is calling me after my early start, so off to bed for me, ready for the day in Lyon tomorrow…

Keep your eyes on the RiverVoyages blog for the next installment of Natalie’s Rhone River adventure.